I talk to friends and family in Eastern Europe and Russia all the time via VOIP services. The telecoms are rumbling a bit about them, but the real issue for the country is not one of competition, but of security. The Russian government is very concerned with the idea that more and more of its internal communications are taking place over international networks beyond their ability to manage or control. But no official policy, to the best of my knowledge, is as yet being developed. They're simply watching the situation right now.
As for the services themselves:
Google Voice is the cheapest if you're calling to an actual phone (land or cell). It also has the advantage of being able to be used from any of your existing phones be they at home, work, or on your person. Google does NOT support international SMS, however.
Skype is the best for computer-to-computer communications, I've found, and works especially well with the too-often shitty bandwidth many people in that part of the world have. Unfortunately, Skype can be a bit pricey if you need to call an actual phone. Skype's video is quite good as well.
Yahoo Messenger offers VOIP services similar to Skype's, but of substantially lower quality in my opinion, and with intermittent connectivity.
I've heard good things about MagicJack, but it would require your contact in Russia to have it, and an active Internet connection. Vonage has good quality and is quite convenient if you like using your existing telephones, but it's mega-expensive.
Good luck
